The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TABLEAUX
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
A
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More clues leading to the result TABLEAUX
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "dramatic scenes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dramatic scenes = tableaux.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TABLEAUX mean?
TABLEAUX noun- A striking and vivid representation; a picture.
- A vivid graphic scene of a group of people arranged as in a painting or bas relief sculpture.
- Hence, an arrangement of actors in static positions on stage, having the effect of pointing up a particular moment in the drama, conventionally revealed by opening tableau curtains (known as "tabs").
- A table (two-dimensional presentation of data).
- Mostly in solitaire card games, but also in other card and board games, the main area, where random cards can be arranged.
- A semantic tableau.